Laboratory of Voice and Speech Physiology

Ample opportunities exist for students eager to conduct research into voice and speech physiology. This lab examines the sensory-motor aspects of voice and speech production using acoustic and physiological measures.

Some of our current research projects include:

• The effect of reduced or altered auditory feedback on the voice and resonance characteristics of speech in individuals who are hard of hearing and/or have cochlear implants or hearing aids
• The efficacy of augmenting traditional AR therapy for improving speech intelligibility with techniques that focus on biofeedback for breath management and resonant voice production
• The prosodic patterns of American Sign Language to spoken English interpretation

Facilities

The Voice and Speech Physiology lab is well equipped for collecting and analyzing acoustic, aerodynamic, and physiological data in noise-free surroundings.

• Acoustic: Computerized Speech Lab (CSL 4500/4100), CSL 6400, Nasometer II (Model 6450), KayPentax software modules (Analysis Synthesis Laboratory, Multi-Dimensional Voice Profile, Multi-Speech, Real Time EGG, Real Time Pitch), professional-grade recording equipment including voice recorders, microphones, headphones, external speakers, pre-amplifiers etc. Acquisition and Analysis software (Windaq Pro+, Praat, Audacity)
• Aerodynamic: Glottal Enterprises Aeroview Plus Phonatory Aerodynamics System w/ Waveview Software (including oral and oro-nasal CV masks with pressure and flow transducers)
• Physiological: Electroglottograph (Glottal Enterprises EG2-PCX2 with Phasecomp software), Nasometer, Nasality Visualization System, s-visualization system

People

The lab is directed by Dr. Sanyu Jaiswal.

Research collaborations include:

• Ms. Brittany Palmer, M.S.
• Antoinette Allen
• Dr. Dragana Barac-Cikoja
• Dr. Brenda Seal
• Graduate students:
  • Ayanna Coleman (2016)
  • Jasmine Wolfe (2016)
  • Eric Klein (2017)
  • Marysabel Meija (2017)
  • Carolyn Michner (2018)

Some of our current research projects include examining:

• The effect of reduced or altered auditory feedback on the voice and resonance characteristics of speech in individuals who are hard of hearing and/or have cochlear implants or hearing aids
• The efficacy of augmenting traditional AR therapy for improving speech intelligibility with techniques that focus on biofeedback for breath management and resonant voice production
• The prosodic patterns of American Sign Language to spoken English interpretation